Temple of Set (Michael Aquino)
Esoteric Left-Hand Path organisation founded by Michael Aquino (1975) splitting from Anton LaVey's Church of Satan. Distinctive Set-veneration theology. Aquino's history including the 1980s Presidio child-care abuse allegations (never charged) drew sustained scrutiny.
CLCI radar
BITE breakdown
0 — esoteric Left-Hand Path organisation; moderate control with documented Aquino controversies.
Profile facts
In context
The Temple of Set practices a self-deification Left-Hand Path framework distinct from LaVeyan Satanism. Michael Aquino, a US Army intelligence officer, was investigated but never charged in the 1980s Presidio Child Care Center abuse allegations. The organisation continues quietly. Internal control is moderate; ranking and degree-progression structure creates devotional ties.
Key control doctrines
- Set-veneration Left-Hand Path
- Multi-degree initiation hierarchy
- Self-deification framework
Recovery resources
See the full curated list at /resources.
Legal cases & controversies
- 1980s Presidio allegations (Aquino never charged)
Evidence by BITE axis
- Substantial commitment to esoteric practice
- Multi-degree initiation
- Founder's writings authoritative
- Closed-membership organisation
- Left-Hand Path framework
- Critics framed as spiritually inferior
- Devotional ties to lineage
- Mild departure social cost
Timeline
- 1975Aquino splits from Church of Satan; founds Temple of Set
- 1980sPresidio Child Care Center allegations
- 2019Aquino dies
Sources
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